THE WALL OF FACES

During late October 1971, the 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment flew in support of the 25th Division Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) performing missions with the 50th Regiment in the Boi Loi Woods, a densely jungled area and refuge for the Viet Cong. On October 30th, a 3rd Squadron OH-6A (#69-16007) scout helicopter was hit by a suspected enemy rocket-propelled grenade round. The ship went down in a ball of flames 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) southwest of Ben Cat village in Binh Duong Province, RVN. The aerial unit Command & Control (C&C) helicopter overflying the operation attempted two landings near the crash site but was driven off by heavy fire. A third attempt succeeded in recovering the pilot, but observer SGT Jack A. Garnes was not found. While leaving the area, the C&C ship took intense enemy fire, sustaining damage to its FM antenna. The critically burned pilot was transported to the 24th Evacuation Hospital on Long Binh Post. ARVN’s were inserted northwest of the crash site to try and locate Garnes. He was found deceased shortly after, still strapped in his seat in the charred helicopter. The remains of the observer were recovered, and while extracting the ARVN’s, the trail aircraft received heavy fire departing the pick-up zone forcing an emergency landing before reaching base. Another ship picked up the crew, and second group of ARVN’s were inserted to secure the downed helicopter until maintenance personnel extracted the aircraft. The 17th Air Cavalry Troop requested airstrikes on suspected enemy positions in the area, but no Air Force assets were available. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org, vhpa.org, and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 3d Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, Period Ending 31 October 1971” at archive.com]

Staff Sergeant Jack Garnes was my platoon sergeant in Air Cav Troop 2/11th ACR. I was scheduled to fly the day Jack was killed. Jack woke me up around 2 a.m. to tell me he was flying in my place. He was killed that day. I have never forgotten his name.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those who knew you are moving and attest to their admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Sergeant Jack Allen Garnes, Served with the Air Cavalry Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Sgt Jack Garnes,
Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. Happy Veterans' Day. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.